Miles Hancock (VA, 1887-1974), Black Duck

Chincoteague, Virgina, circa 1930s, carved and painted, scratch paint feather detail, tack eyes.

Length 16.75 in.

From the Personal Collection of Mr. Boyce Hudson Raleigh, NC.

Hancock is self-taught and deeply rooted in the hunting traditions of the Eastern Shore, he began carving working decoys in the early 1900s to support his livelihood as a market hunter. His decoys—known for their bold form, durability, and practical paint—were crafted primarily from cedar and pine. Over his lifetime, Hancock carved thousands of decoys, becoming a central figure in the Chincoteague carving tradition.

Original paint with gunning wear, very rough tail wear with yellow stain.